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Wondering what your Disney World resort options are, and the best resorts to book for an upcoming Walt Disney World trip? I’ve got you covered, even if you’re a super-beginner to planning an onsite Disney World resort vacation. Let’s go!
First, let me answer some basic questions people ask when planning a resort stay at Disney World…
Why stay onsite at Disney World resorts
When deciding to stay onsite at Disney World, most people who want to stay in the bubble are interested in:
- high-quality accommodations
- unique dining experiences
- recreational activities that make rest days and night time fun for visitors of all ages
- special hidden details and ambiance of magical moments
Follow Jenna Loves Magic on Instagram and TikTok…
Are Disney World resorts expensive?
In this guide, you’ll learn all there is to know about booking the different tiers of Disney resorts:
- Value Resorts
- Moderate Resorts
- Deluxe Resorts
- Deluxe Villa Resorts
What all Disney resorts include
Part of the fun of staying at all different DIsney resorts is that each location has unique experiences including:
- Onsite dining.
- Pools.
- Kids activities (some even have fun s’mores nights, arcades, and playgrounds to enjoy).
- Transportation to the parks.
- And other amenities.
What’s a perk of staying onsite at a Disney resort
1. Early Magic Hours
Many Disney guests love that they can enjoy special benefits such as exclusive access to Disney Parks earlier in the morning, which makes it easy to enjoy 1-2 popular rides that get busy later in the day.
2. You can book dining reservations in advance
If you’re an aspiring Disney foodie, you’ll love early access to dining reservations at Disney World, which is only available when booking onsite-stays.
3. Extra Disney Magic 24/7 of your stay
Now let’s talk about the Disney World resort hotels so you can figure out which is best for your dream vacation…
VALUE Disney World Hotels
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
The All-Star Movies Resort at Walt Disney World is a popular family-friendly hotel.
Perks of staying here:
- Unique movie-inspired atmosphere
- 5 themed buildings based on popular Disney films
- Swimming pool
- Arcade
- Gym
- Complimentary bus transportation
Good to know:
While they have the complimentary buses which is standard at Disney resorts, there is no Skyliner station onsite, no monorail access, and no boat access.
Disney's All-Star Music Resort
This is a fun Disney World resort for music-lovers.
Perks of staying here:
- Multiple pools including one with a bar
- A convenient food court on site
- Arcade
- Playground
- Complimentary bus transportation
Good to know:
The location is prime to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom and Blizzard Beach Water Park.
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
Traveling with sports lovers? Then this resort at Disney may be for you…!
Perks of staying here:
- Sports Courts onsite
- Fun themed buildings from baseball, to basketball, football, surfing, and tennis
- Arcade (Game Point)
- Surfing simulator
- Bowling alley
- Pool
Good to know:
Check for details on recent 2023 renovations before booking.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
This hotel is a top choice for young families when it comes to value and Skyliner transportation access.
Perks of staying here:
- “Characters come to life” in comfortable family-friendly suites featuring movie characters including Finding Nemo, The Lion King, Cars, and The Little Mermaid
- Great for groups
- Skyliner access
- Dog friendly
- Campfire activities
- Movies under stars
- Jogging trails
- Playground
- Pools
- Pixel Play Arcade
- Skyliner access
Good to know:
Great hotel choice if you’re planning to visit Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot, because they are just a Disney Skyliner ride away.
If you’re unfamiliar, the Skyliner is the free gondola transportation system at Disney World. Only some hotels are on the Skyliner route.
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Another young-family Disney resort favorite, there’s a lot to love about the convenience and kid-centric activities at Pop Century.
Perks of staying here:
- Pools are packed with kids and families
- Nostalgic - You’ll feel transported back in time to the 50s and 60s
- Campfire activities
- Movies under stars
- Jogging trails
- Playground
- Pools
- Fast Forward Arcade
- You can arrange fishing nearby
- Skyliner access
Good to know:
It’s very convenient to get to and from this resort on the Skyliner.
MODERATE Disney World Hotels
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort | Campground
The ~500 square ft cabins here are one-bedroom suites with a full kitchen that can sleep to six adults and one child in a crib.
Perks of staying here:
- Bike rentals
- Guided horseback trail rides
- Kid-friendly horseback riding activity at Tri-Circle-D Ranch
- Canoe and kayak rentals
- Pool
- Playground
- Nature trails to explore
- Campfire activities like s’mores with Chip and Dale
- Dining show with live entertainment (Hoop Dee Hoo review)
Good to know:
This is particularly a favorite resort because of all the unique outdoor amenities. If you’re not staying here, it's a good resort to visit on a rest day. There is no Skyliner access.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Super convenient to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, this Disney resort has tasty dining options and Caribbean beach vibes.
Perks of staying here:
- Poolside movie night
- Beach volleyball
- Disney movie screenings
- Recreational rentals
- Playground
- Island of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise
- Skyliner accessible
Good to know:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is a quick ~13 minute right to EPCOT when you take the Disney Skyliner. It’s also very close to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
This resort also has a Deluxe tower, you can read more on staying there in the next section.
Perks of staying here:
- Recreational sports
- Water activities
- Spa
- Volleyball and other beach sports
- Boat tour
- Beach bar
- Pool
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Only bus access
Good to know:
There’s plenty for kids to enjoy at this Disney resort, including splash pads and ping-pong.
Gran Destino Tower (at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort)
This special area of the Coronado Spring Resort is a tower based on the Disney short film, “Destino,” - a 1940s collaboration of Walt Disney and Salvador Dali.
The vibe is a celebration of destinations like Spain, Mexico, and the American Southwest, which is explored through amenities, food, room design, and art.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
The beautiful New Orleans’s historic French Quarter is brought to life through the food options and the design of this resort.
Perks of staying here:
- Mardi Gras characters
- Jazz music
- Cajun and Creole food
- Bayou Pirate Cruise
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Pool
- Walking trail
- River cruise transportation to and from Disney Springs
- Family-friendly games
Good to know:
The closest park to Port Orleans French Quarter is Epcot.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Similar and close to the resort above (within walking distance) there is a lot to enjoy at this New Orleans theme resort.
Perks of staying here:
- New Orleans style food, including beignets is near-by
- 4 themed areas
- Spa
Good to know:
This resort is a short walk to Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.
DELUXE Disney World Hotels
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
One of my favorites, this Africa-inspired resort has a ton to offer animal lovers and foodies alike.
Perks of staying here:
- Two arcades between Jambo house building (Pumbaa’s Fun and Games Arcade) and Kidani Village (Safari So Good)
- Great dining options (see what’s so special about the Sanaa bread service).
- Pools
- Campfire Activities
- Movies Under the Stars
- Hakuna Matata Playground
- Free viewing locations of the safari area with animals like giraffes, zebras, and flamingos
- The ambiance outside is like a zoo mixed with Disney World resort
- Spa
- Fitness center
Good to know:
Even if you’re not staying here, this is a great resort to enjoy for a day when you don’t have park reservations. There are two buildings, Jambo House and Kidani Village, so visit them both for fun activities.
Check out these Jambo House Restaurants...
See a quick video of lunch at Sanaa Restaurant in Animal Kingdom Lodge…
Check out my review of what to get on the Sanaa lunch menu…
Disney's Beach Club Resort
A New England-style resort with upscale dining and a great outdoor water area.
Perks of staying here:
- Pools and lagoons
- Spas
- Fitness
- Campfire Activities
- Movies Under the Stars
- Mini Golf (Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf)
- Motorized Boat Rentals
- Fishing
- Outdoor recreation (tennis, volleyball, jogging)
- Lafferty Place Arcade
- Walking distance to EPCOT
- Boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Skyliner transportation
- Fine dining within walking distance between this resort and Disney's Yacht Club Resort (see Ale & Compass Restaurant and our favorite Yachtsman Steakhouse)
Good to know:
This Disney resort and DVC property has some areas where partial views of Epcot's fireworks may be available. It is a sister property right next to the Yacht Club Resort.
Disney's Boardwalk Inn
Located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Perks of staying here:
- Spa
- Fitness
- Campfire Activities
- Pools
- Movies Under the Stars
- Mini Golf (Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf)
- Disney Skyliner transportation
- Surrey Bike Rentals
- Fishing
- Outdoor recreation (tennis, pickleball, volleyball, jogging)
- Playground
- Side Show Games Arcade
Good to know:
Conveniently located near Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort.
Disney's Contemporary Resort
The monorail runs right through this Disney resort. It also has some great character and fine dining options.
Perks of staying here:
- Spa
- Campfire Activities
- Pools
- Movies Under the Stars
- Fishing on the lagoon
- Arcade
- Outdoor recreation (tennis, basketball, volleyball, jogging)
- Upscale dining (check out Steakhouse 71 and California Grill)
- Character dining at Chef Mickey’s
- Electrical Water Pageant viewings
- Monorail access
Good to know:
There are two main areas to The Contemporary Disney Resort. The Contemporary tower and the Garden Wing.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The ambiance is Victorian era at Palm Beach, and it is a stop away from Magic Kingdom park on the monorail.
Perks of staying here:
- Spa
- Campfire Activities
- Pools
- Movies Under the Stars
- Fishing
- Arcade
- Outdoor recreation (basketball)
- Upscale dining (Grand Floridian Café and Narcoossee's)
- Electrical Water Pageant viewings
- Monorail access
Good to know:
You can catch Cinderella Castle fireworks from Magic Kingdom near the marina of the Grand Floridian Resort.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Island vibes are plentiful at this Polynesian-themed Disney resort.
Perks of staying here:
- Spa
- Campfire Activities
- Pools
- Movies Under the Stars
- Motorized Boat Rentals
- Fishing
- Outdoor recreation (volleyball, jogging)
- Character dining ('Ohana’s for breakfast)
- Electrical Water Pageant viewings
- Monorail access
Good to know:
Don’t miss checking out the Polynesian Villas and Bungalows right on the water.
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Feel outdoorsy with a stay at this Disney Resort that celebrates turn-of-the-century National Park lodges.
Perks of staying here:
- Health Club
- Campfire Activities
- Pools
- Movies Under the Stars
- Fishing
- Outdoor recreation (jogging)
- Buttons and Bells Arcade
- Electrical Water Pageant viewings
- Monorail access
- Ferry ride to Magic Kingdom
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
Good to know:
Try craft brews onsite at Territory Lounge.
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
This Disney Resort is next to sister resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, and shares easy access to many of the same restaurants and amenities listed in that description above.
Perks of staying here:
- Pools and lagoons
- Spas
- Fitness
- Campfire Activities
- Movies Under the Stars
- Mini Golf (Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf)
- Motorized Boat Rentals
- Fishing
- Outdoor recreation (tennis, volleyball, jogging)
- Lafferty Place Arcade
- Albatross Treasure Cruise
- Walking distance to EPCOT
- Boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney Skyliner transportation
- Fine dining within walking distance between this resort and Disney's Yacht Club Resort (see Ale & Compass Restaurant and our favorite Yachtsman Steakhouse)
Good to know:
This resort is located in the Boardwalk area for Epcot hotels.
Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser
(Closing PERMANENTLY on September 30, 2023)
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels fall in the bucket of “Walt Disney World Resorts” but they are managed by Marriott and NOT Disney.
Perks of staying here:
- Pool
- Spa
- Health Club
- Many, many dining options (like the popular Shula’s Steak House)
- Supervised Children's Activity Center (Camp Dolphin)
- Arcade
- Playground
- Outdoor recreation (volleyball, jogging)
- Mini Golf
- 10-15 minute walk to Epcot
Good to know:
There are two main buildings here - the more-upscale Swan hotel and the Dolphin hotel.
Shades of Green Military Resort at Walt Disney World
This Disney hotel resort is specifically for military and Department of Defense (DoD) employees.
DELUXE Disney World Villas
Important note!
One thing that can be confusing when you’re first learning about properties at WDW…
Is that many of the Deluxe Disney World Villas are buildings located within OTHER resorts.
That means that there may be less expensive and more expensive hotels within the same resort.
So below, you’ll see that if it is a resort I already explained above, I am not repeating the amenities list.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas
Kidani Village is a building at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It is next to Jambo House, but this building will make you feel like you’re on an “African safari adventure” as you view the lush savannas with freely roaming wildlife from giraffes to zebras.
Perks of staying here:
- Spa
- Fitness center
- View Exotic Animals around the resort
- Community Hall (ping-pong, video games and billiards)
- Outdoor recreation (tennis, pickleball, basketball, shuffleboard, grilling tools can be rented)
- Safari So Good Arcade
- Upscale dining (try Jiko, Boama, or head to Sanaa for dinner if you want to see animals outside while eating delicious Indian and African-inspired food with butter chicken and more)
- Head to Jambo House next door on the same property to enjoy a wonderful pool and playground and see even more animals
Good to know:
This is a bus-only transportation access, but in my opinion it’s worth all the amenities
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
A Deluxe hotel option at the Contemporary Resort property, the Bay Lake Tower building connects to the main building through a bridge. It is very close to the Grand Canyon Concourse which is where you can hop on the monorail to Disney World.
See above Contemporary Resort section for details on amenities.
Disney's Beach Club Villas
A Deluxe room option at The Beach Club, the Villas are available for both member and non members of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC members). There is also a club-level service option with complimentary continental breakfast, and food and snacks throughout the day.
See above Beach Club section for details on amenities.
Disney's Boardwalk Villas
A Deluxe room option at The Boardwalk resort, the Villas are available for both member and non members of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC members).
See above Boardwalk section for details on amenities.
Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Convenient to the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, a Deluxe room option at The Wilderness Lodge resort, the Villas here are available for both member and non members of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC members).
See above Wilderness Lodge section for details on amenities.
Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Another Deluxe room option at The Wilderness Lodge resort, the Villas here are available for both member and non members of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC members).
See above Wilderness Lodge section for details on amenities.
The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have long been considered one of the priciest resorts at Disney World, so if you’re going to stay there, you might as well go big with a villa, perhaps?
See above Grand Floridian Resort & Spa section for details on amenities.
Disney's Old Key West Resort
Snag a Deluxe room with a view by booking a lake and golf course view. Buildings 13, 12, and 11 are closest to the main amenities.
Perks of staying here:
- Pool
- Fitness Center
- Sauna
- Outdoor recreation (tennis, pickleball, jogging, basketball, volleyball)
- Campfire Activities
- Movies Under the Stars
- Community Hall (foosball, pool, video games, ping-pong and shuffleboard)
- Bike Rentals for 1-2-or 4 people (!!)
- Fishing
- 3 playgrounds
- Boat ride available to/from Disney Springs
Good to know:
There are a couple places to eat, but no formal upscale dining or high-demand restaurants.
Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Most people are surprised that you can stay at an over-the-water bungalow resort at Walt Disney World, but it's true. These Deluxe villas are quite the experience!
See above Polynesian resort section for details on amenities.
Disney's Riviera Resort
One of my personal favorite villas to stay at! I love the convenience of walking to the skyliner and the food at Topolino’s Terrace at the beautiful Riviera Resort.
Perks of staying here:
- Pool (great little kids pool, too)
- Fitness Center
- Campfire Activities
- Movies Under the Stars
- Outdoor games
- Skyliner access
SEE INSIDE the Riviera Resort at Disney World…
Good to know:
This is one of the “hottest” newer hotels at Disney World.
The only things that are missing for me at this resort are a playground and an arcade. Though those are only a Skyliner ride away - you can find them at Pop Century resort.
Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge
This resort is currently on hold.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Another Victorian-style Resort at Disney World, this one is based on the popular New York destination.
Perks of staying here:
- Pool
- Golf is available at Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
- Health Club
- Campfire Activities
- Movies Under the Stars
- Community Hall
- Bike rentals
- Win, Place or Show Arcade
- Outdoor recreation (tennis, pickleball, jogging, basketball, volleyball)
- 3 playgrounds
Good to know:
You can walk directly from Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to the shopping and food area, Disney Springs.
Treehouse Villas
Another unique resort at Disney World, The Treehouse Villas are located at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. There are a very limited 60 three-bedroom units - they will fit up to 9 guests.
The Treehouse Villas are elevated 10 feet above the ground and have views of nature.
See Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa amenities above.
Whew! We got through the list!!
Things to consider when booking a Disney World hotel
Here are questions I’d ask you to figure out, to help develop a plan for staying at the best Disney hotel for your trip…
- Determine if you’re going for a more budget-friendly value Disney resort or if you’re opting for a Moderate, or Deluxe Disney resort.
- Consider booking a preferred room at Disney World resorts if being super-close to amenities like upscale dining or to the pool.
- Know if you want to be able to walk to your Disney resort from parks.
- Know if you want to be on the Skyliner route.
- Know what will make a vacation successful for your group, considering their ages, activity level, daily routines (do they have a lot of energy to get out and want to be close to a playground?).
Thinking about getting a quote for staying at Disney World resorts?
We are here to help you decide where to stay, before you choose your Disney hotel.
Especially if it’s your first time booking Disney resorts on your own, it’s no extra charge to have a Disney travel agent help you figure out things like the:
- Best resorts for families with small children
- Where to stay when visiting Disney World for couples
- Best resorts for families with teens
- How to enjoy a stress-free Disney trip for families with young children
Don’t hesitate to reach out by contacting us with the form on this site.
Tips for planning a Disney World trip
Shop my favorite things to buy in advance for a Disney World trip:
- Disney outfits for women
- Brooks sneakers for women (see more on shoes for Disney)
- Matching Disney adult and kids hats
- 2 pack of ponchos
- best neck fan for Disney World
Get more Disney World travel tips...
- See the ULTIMATE GUIDE to Disney World resorts
- Get tips for booking Disney World tickets
- See this beginners guide to Disney World packages
- Tips for flying to the closest airport to Disney World
- Learn about taking a Skyliner ride during EPCOT fireworks time
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Top Disney World ride guides
Top Disney World restaurant guides
- What to order at Topolino's Terrace for dinner at Riviera Resort
- Sanaa bread service
- Where to get breakfast in EPCOT
- Joffrey's Disney coffee
- Le Cellier
See top Disney World hotel tips and guides...
- Offsite review of Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Disneyland travel tips...
- When Halloween starts at Disneyland
- Complete guide to Halloween at Disneyland
- 1 Day Disneyland Itinerary Example
Disney dining tips from Jenna Loves Magic
Remember: for any sit-down dinner or character meal, I recommend to definitely book 60 days out, or whenever your Disney dining dates open.
If you’re staying on site, you can book dining reservations earlier as a perk.
Don’t have reservations? Check regularly during your trip, on the app, or walk up to the restaurant early in the day and request a day-of reservation. Disney reservations are often dropped day-of since sometimes people “hoard them”.
I once was a walk-up and was told there would be a 90 minute wait for a table at Steakhouse 71.
Not a problem, since it’s an interesting hotel to walk around and they have an arcade.
Anyways, within 5 minutes my reservation was ready because someone canceled. So you never know.
Also see my other favorites on this list of the best places to eat at Disney World. (coming soon)
Ready to stay at a Disney hotel resort?
Hope that answers all your questions about staying at one of the many Disney resort properties in Orlando!
Ready to book your Disney World trip? Reach out through our contact form for assistance.
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